U.S. allies order Raven unmanned aerial vehicles

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- AeroVironment Inc., a manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles, is supplying its hand-launched RQ-11B Raven system to seven allied countries.

The countries, which were not identified, are obtaining the Raven -- together with spare parts and contractor logistics services -- through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

"Allied forces around the globe are increasingly relying on AeroVironment as the go-to source for small UAS that deliver powerful insight, on demand for valuable, real-time situational awareness – whenever and wherever needed," said Kirk Flittie, AeroVironment vice president and general manager of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems business segment. "Our systems help military personnel and enterprises operate more safely and effectively in some of the most challenging conditions and places on earth."

The Raven is for low-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information. It has a wingspan of 4.5 feet, weighs 4.2 pounds, and a day/night operational range of about 6.2 miles.

The FMS contract for the systems was given to AeroVironment by the U.S. Army and is worth about $18.5 million.